Joining from W Barcelona, internationally experienced Italian chef Andrea Ciuccio brings over a decade of global expertise and a fresh culinary vision to one of the Algarve’s leading luxury resorts.
W Algarve has announced the appointment of Andrea Ciuccio as its new Executive Chef, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the resort’s culinary offering.
Arriving directly from W Barcelona, the Naples-born chef brings more than a decade of international experience gained across some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants and luxury hotels, with a career spanning Sydney, Barcelona, the Cayman Islands and now Portugal’s Algarve.
His appointment signals a renewed focus on exceptional dining experiences across the resort, celebrating the Algarve’s outstanding local produce through a contemporary Mediterranean approach inspired by his Italian heritage and shaped by years of cooking in some of the world’s most respected culinary destinations.
Born in Naples, Italy, Andrea Ciuccio has built an impressive international career founded on creativity, authenticity and a passion for Mediterranean cuisine.
He began his professional journey in Sydney at the acclaimed Manta Restaurant & Bar, where he developed a deep appreciation for seafood-led cuisine and contemporary coastal dining. Around two years later, he relocated to Barcelona, immersing himself in one of Europe’s most dynamic food scenes while working at renowned restaurants including Monvinic and the Michelin-starred Alkimia, experiences that refined his technical expertise and modern Mediterranean cooking style.
Seeking to further broaden his international experience, Andrea moved to the Cayman Islands to join the iconic Grand Old House as Senior Sous Chef, leading one of the Caribbean’s most respected fine dining kitchens. One year later, he returned to Barcelona as Consultant and Sous Chef at W Barcelona, where he played an integral role in delivering the bold, lifestyle-led culinary experiences synonymous with the W Hotels brand.
It was during his time at W Barcelona that Andrea developed a lasting connection with Marriott’s luxury lifestyle brand and its coastal destinations. His success within the hotel led to his appointment as Executive Chef at W Algarve, where he now oversees every aspect of the resort’s culinary operation, from destination dining concepts and menu development to kitchen leadership and guest experiences across its collection of restaurants, bars and in-room dining.
Having worked in destinations renowned for their exceptional produce, spectacular coastlines and rich culinary heritage, Andrea’s cooking philosophy combines the precision of Italian technique with the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean, always placing outstanding local ingredients at the heart of every dish.
Speaking about his appointment, Andrea Ciuccio said:
“I am incredibly excited to join the team at W Algarve. I believe this new professional challenge, together with the experience of relocating to the Algarve – a region blessed with unforgettable flavours, exceptional produce and breathtaking landscapes – will make a hugely positive contribution to my career while giving me another opportunity to continue evolving as a chef.
I’m looking forward to working alongside such a talented team to create memorable dining experiences that celebrate both the incredible ingredients found here in the Algarve and the international influences that have shaped my journey.”
Andrea succeeds Julio Ferradas as Executive Chef and will lead the continued evolution of W Algarve’s culinary offering, introducing fresh ideas while building on the resort’s reputation for bold, creative and immersive dining experiences.
Whether enjoying refined dinners at Vino, relaxed poolside dining at WET Deck or vibrant all-day experiences throughout the resort, guests can expect menus rooted in seasonality, exceptional local ingredients and modern Mediterranean flavours, all interpreted through Andrea’s distinctive international perspective.
Looking ahead, Andrea will spearhead the next phase of W Algarve’s culinary evolution, with a series of new seasonal menus, chef collaborations and immersive dining experiences designed to celebrate the region’s rich gastronomic heritage. Working closely with local farmers, fishermen and artisan producers, his vision is to create experiences that showcase the very best of the Algarve while introducing guests to bold new flavours inspired by his international career. From refined tasting menus and exclusive chef’s tables to innovative restaurant concepts and one-off culinary events, Andrea’s appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new era for food at W Algarve.
As W Algarve continues to strengthen its position as one of Southern Europe’s leading luxury lifestyle destinations, Andrea’s appointment reinforces the resort’s commitment to delivering world-class culinary experiences that are every bit as memorable as the destination itself.